7 Activities to Do When In Fayetteville for a Hogs Game
At this point, we're knee-depp in Razorback football season.
Little Rock families and Hog fans from every corner of the state will don their cardinal and white, break out their pom poms, hog snouts, Razorback cheek tattoos, mammoth barbecue grills and big screen TVs for a tailgating experience on “The Hill” that’s among the best in the SEC.
While in Fayetteville, Razorback fans love to live like the locals and take in some new experiences the entire family will enjoy! Here are a few options to consider.
1. Terra Studios
This whimsical six-acre “art park” features the work of hundreds of regional artists to create a make-believe experience for children and adults! Life sized art in various mediums includes gnomes under bridges, elves and bears having a tea party, fountains, murals, a giant chess set as tall as some children and more.
The Wizard’s Cave invites children inside to explore its glass stalactites and crystals that compliment this world of enchanting pieces. Terra is also the home of the popular Bluebird of Happiness which is hand blown on site. Children can observe glass blowing and take part in half hour classes to create different art projects. | TerraStudios.com
2. 112 Drive-In
Enjoy today’s box office hits in the open air of the Ozarks at one of America’s last operating drive-in theaters.
Drop the tailgate, watch from your car, or bring some lawn chairs – you’ll always have the best seat in the house!
There are two “musts” – you must pay in cash, and you really should visit the concession stand, as it offers everything from burgers, burritos and dogs - to fresh baked items and state fair fare! | 112DriveInTheatre.com
3. Razorback Regional Greenway
Take in the scenery of the Ozark Mountains on this paved shared-use trail that weaves through six cities for 36 miles, all the way to the Missouri border.
The family-friendly and ADA accessible greenway welcomes those who want to walk, jog or bike – and bike rentals are available! Jump on or off the greenway at any point, but be sure to enjoy the sights along the way, as it leads you across bridges and by lakes, parks, restaurants, shops and numerous attractions. | NWAtrails.org
4. JBGB
Looking for a place to eat and still looking for the thrill of competition? Visit JBGB in the Uptown District of Fayetteville. The JBGB houses a large gaming area that includes shuffle board, baggo, ping pong, bocce ball, sand volleyball and a wading pool!
And while you’re waiting for your turn on the court, visit the JJ’s Brew & Que food truck for authentic, pit-smoked meats prepared in the traditional technique of smoking on oak wood. | TheJBGB.com
5. Burton’s Creamery (in Shulertown)
Celebrate a win, or recover from a (shhh) loss, at Burton’s Creamery in Fayetteville’s Shulertown Food Truck Court off Dickson Street.
This food truck boasts heaping soft serve ice cream cones with a unique array of mixed toppings.
If you’re feeling brave, try the Spicy Kat – chocolate ice cream dusted in cayenne pepper and rolled in crushed Kit Kat bars, or go for the Salty Dog – vanilla ice cream drizzled in salted caramel and rolled in crushed pretzels! | BurtonsCreamery.com
6. Arkadia Retrocade
If the energy of the Hog game is still in your veins, take the family to the retrocade and enjoy endless play for $5 per person! Located on College Avenue, just a football throw from the U of A campus, Arkadia offers guests access to some old favorites such as Pac-Man and Centipede. There are also more recent gaming systems visitors can enjoy. Take your pick! | 
7. Botanical Garden of the Ozarks
Stretch your legs and enjoy all that’s in bloom year-round at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks. The garden’s 100 acres include 12 themed gardens, colorful bridges, water features, art structures, a peace arbor and areas and programs created specifically for children to enjoy. The garden’s Native Butterfly House is a sight to see and was recognized by HGTV as a “best kept secret” among botanical gardens across the country. | BGOzarks.org
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Molly Rawn has been the executive director of Experience Fayetteville since August 2016. She oversees Fayetteville’s Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Advertising and Promotions Commission, the Fayetteville Town Center and the Clinton House Museum. She sits on the board of the Northwest Arkansas Tourism Association, the Northwest Arkansas Film Commission and is active at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Molly is an Arkansas native and a University of Arkansas alum. She and her husband have lived in Fayetteville for over a decade and have three children. |
This article originally appeared in the September 2017 issue of Little Rock Family magazine. Slight adjustments have been made to update it for 2019.